If the old finish on wood is in bad shape, it's best to remove it entirely with a liquid.
Do I Need To Remove Old Paint Before Painting Furniture. Removing lead paint or sanding is toxic… and expensive… very much so. You only need to remove old deck paint that is failing, before repainting with a new coat of paint.
The Process Of Re-Painting Old Wooden Furniture from www.architectureartdesigns.com
This method will allow you to uncover any potential rust or corrosion that will need to be addressed before you put on any top coats. Vinegar does not remove paint from wood, but it can soften paint and make it easier to remove. Find out how to remove paint with this instructional guide from bunnings warehouse.
Do not use a paper towel, and don't speculate on whether it might be.
Let me say this again as i did in the welcome section. The preferred method for removing paint from wood is by using a chemical stripper. Before you begin, you must check that the spirits or thinners won't cause any damage to the surface underneath. Remove old paint before you begin your project.
